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Class 58 in Netherlands
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CASE STUDIES
ADMISSION OF CLASS 58 LOCOMOTIVES ONTO DUTCH RAILWAYS
Background
In 2001 Dutch train operator ACTS approached English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) regarding the provision of a small number of diesel-electric locomotives that could be deployed on freight train services in the Netherlands. In October 2002, an agreement was reached between the parties for the supply of two existing EWS class 58 (3300hp) locomotives.
Project Overview
ESG was commissioned to project manage the design, modification, testing and approval of two EWS class 58 locomotives to allow them to operate in the Netherlands. The first locomotive, appropriately modified, was delivered to Holland in July 2003 and the second followed in October 2003.
In order to achieve this a number of modifications to the locomotives were necessary to make them suitable for operation on the Dutch Rail Network. An essential modification was the installation of the Dutch train safety system known as ATBL-NL. The integration of ATBL equipment into the locomotives proved to be one of the biggest challenges as the system requires a high level of integrity if correct functionality with the signalling system is to be assured. This necessitated close control at all stages of the project to ensure this was achieved.
Other modifications that were made to the locomotives included the fitting of a new train radio, train data recorder, diesel fired cab heater, cab refurbishment, changes to front end lighting arrangement and a full repaint in customer livery.
In addition to the modifications it was also necessary to show that the locomotives would be safe to operate on the Dutch rail network before admittance could be permitted. Demonstrating compliance with the relevant Railned standards supported by technical justifications, where necessary, provided this safety assurance. A registered notified body (NOBO) was appointed to check and verify the admission documentation.
Key Features
  • To project manage and assist in the design, construction, testing and approval of two class 58 locomotives for admission onto the Dutch Rail Network.
  • Fast track design and build were a keynote of the project, aided by the appointment of specialist sub-consultants from the outset. This not only ensured compliance with the relevant standards but also ensured best industry practice was also being followed.
  • Installation & testing of ATBL train safety system.
  • Significant vehicle modification work.
  • Approval (certification) of locomotives to operate outside the UK.
Skills Profile
  • Project management - finance, sub contractors, customer.
  • Mechanical and electrical design - functional specifications, concept designs, detailed designs and calculations.
  • Analysis of vehicle dynamic behaviour by computer modelling - stability and track force assessments.
  • Vehicle construction - production control, purchasing.
  • Vehicle testing.
  • Technical justifications and risk assessments.
For more information, please contact Neil.Jackson@esg-railconsultancy.co.uk
Photographs and project details reproduced by kind permission of English, Welsh and Scottish Railway.